Foster is considered the gateway to Wilson’s Promontory National Park and the beaches along side of it. Wilson’s Promontory is the southern most point of the Australian mainland, and has been protected as a reserve since 1898. Its 130 kilometres of coastline is framed by the massive granite rock formations, the mountains, forests and fern gullies. Tidal River, the most popular tourist destination on the promontory, is about a 40 minute drive from Foster.
The National Park contains the largest coastal wilderness area in Victoria, with diverse vegetation communities, with warm temperate and cool temperate rainforests, tall open forests, woodlands and heathlands, swamp and coastal communities. There are over 30 species of native animals recorded in the park (not including marine animals) .
Most of the attractions of the area are due to the close proximity to the coastline, with easy access to the promontory and various inlets, where people enjoy good fishing and boating. Tidal River is the most popular tourist destination on the promontory, which is an excellent base for exploration. The walk along Squeaky Beach with its pure white quartz sand is popular – the beach was once known as the Singing Sands, because of the noise the sand makes as feet walk on it.
The view from the top of Mount Oberon is said to be one of the best panoramas in Victoria, and an excellent walking track on the way up – especially for observing the change in vegetation with altitude and aspect.
Many of the inlets and bays allow for other water activities, such as windsurfing, and a little further southwest, at Cape Liptrap is a stretch of water which is popular for surfing.
There is a local winery, which has been producing wines for nearly thirty-five years now, and a few historical places to visit around the town, such as the museum and the Exchange Hotel.
